Target apologizes, takes down images of Photoshopped models on website

Two overtly Photoshopped images that appeared on Target.com have caused the company to receive criticism from not only the Photoshop watchdogs, Photoshopdisasters.com, but from many customers and body image protectors through social media as well.

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By Sarah Sanders Petersen

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Sarah Sanders Petersen

Posted Mar. 12, 2014 at 6:26 PM

By Sarah Sanders Petersen
Posted Mar. 12, 2014 at 6:26 PM

» Social News

Two overtly Photoshopped images that appeared on Target.com have caused the company to receive criticism from not only the Photoshop watchdogs, Photoshopdisasters.com, but from many customers and body image protectors via social media as well.
The images of young women in bathing suits are not only causing controversy because of the extra skin that didn't get erased under the armpit or on their hips, but also because of the promotion of the trending "thigh gap" ideal for young girls.
"Someone decided it would be a good idea to crudely take the erase tool to what looks like a teen model's hips, arms, and most notably crotch to create a thigh gap," TIME reported. "It's sloppy, and demonstrates an unhealthy depiction of a human body all at the same time!"
Creators of Beauty Redefined, Lexie and Lindsay Kite, joined in on the conversation on their Facebook page.
"This latest 'Photoshop Fail' on a juniors swimsuit model is just one example of how industries are coming up with unattainable ideals for us at every turn, including the 'thigh gap' (which most women don't have naturally)," Lexie and Lindsay stated on the Beauty Redefined Facebook page.
"These ideals are so unreal that even models and beauty icons can't meet these standards, so they are Photoshopped every time," Lexie and Lindsay said. "These latest examples from Target are so egregious that we're hoping they're an act of rebellion from someone on the inside!"
Target spokesman Evan Miller released an apology to ABCNews.com Wednesday.
"It was an unfortunate error on our part and we apologize," Evan Miller told ABCNews.com. "We removed the image from the site and we're working to get a new image up there."
But many customers and parents have expressed on social media their disgust along with cries for an end of Photoshopped images.
Wednesday morning, Good Morning America discussed the controversy with Business Insider retail reporter Ashley Lutz.
"Target has put out these totally unrealistic images, and they're really laughable," she said. "But at the same time you have to question what they were going for."%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A//beacon.deseretconnect.com/beacon.gif%3Fcid%3D152948%26pid%3D46%22%20/%3E